Sharjah
Sahara Centre Basement Floor - Bank Entrance - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
UAE Golden Visa Medical Fitness Test: What’s Tested, Cost & How to Book in 2026
⚡ Quick Answer
A UAE Golden Visa medical fitness test is mandatory for all applicants aged 18 and above before your Golden Visa is issued or renewed. The test includes a chest X-ray, blood tests for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, and a general health screening. Results are issued the same day or within 24 hours at accredited EHS centres. Your certificate is valid for 30 days — visa stamping must be completed before it expires.
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Don't let your Golden Visa application stall. Medical certificate validity is 30 days from issue. Missing the window means restarting the entire medical process and paying again.
Applying for a UAE Golden Visa — or renewing one — and not sure what the medical test involves, how long it takes, or whether you'll pass? You're not alone. Every week, dozens of applicants get caught off-guard by the medical step, either skipping it too early, going to the wrong centre, or not knowing what to bring.
This guide covers everything: who needs the Golden Visa medical, what is tested, exact costs, how to book same-day, and what happens if a result comes back abnormal. We'll also flag the three most common mistakes that delay approvals.
Related services at Sahara Centre:
Who Needs a Medical Fitness Test for the UAE Golden Visa?
The short answer: almost everyone applying for or renewing a Golden Visa aged 18 and above. This includes investors, entrepreneurs, talented professionals, outstanding graduates, sponsored family members over 18, and all renewal applicants. Our Golden Visa service page has full eligibility details.
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Investors & Entrepreneurs
Real estate investors, business owners, and startup founders applying under investment categories.
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Talented Individuals
Doctors, engineers, scientists, artists, athletes, and creatives recognised under UAE talent categories.
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Outstanding Graduates
Students who graduated from top UAE universities or international institutions with high GPAs.
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Sponsored Family Members
Spouses and dependants over 18 sponsored under a primary Golden Visa holder's application.
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Renewals
All Golden Visa renewals (every 5 or 10 years) require a fresh medical fitness test — no exemptions.
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New Arrivals
Anyone completing their Golden Visa process from outside the UAE after entry on an entry permit.
✅ Tip: Children under 18 are generally exempt from the medical test, but they do need an Emirates ID application. See our Emirates ID typing service for details.
What Does the Golden Visa Medical Test Include in 2026?
The Golden Visa medical fitness examination follows the EHS (Emirates Health Authority Sharjah) / MoHAP protocol used for all UAE residency visas. This is the same standard applied at our Medical Examination Centre. Here is exactly what is tested:
| Test Component | What They Check | Duration | Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest X-Ray | Tuberculosis (TB) screening, lung health | 5 minutes | ✔ Yes |
| Blood Test — HIV | HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibody test | Blood draw only | ✔ Yes |
| Blood Test — Hepatitis B | HBsAg antigen test | Blood draw only | ✔ Yes |
| Blood Test — Hepatitis C | HCV antibody screening | Blood draw only | ✔ Yes |
| General Physical Examination | Blood pressure, weight, BMI, general fitness | 10 minutes | ✔ Yes |
| Leprosy Screening | Visual skin examination | 2 minutes | ✔ Yes |
| Drug Screen | Urine test for controlled substance use | 5 minutes | ✔ Yes |
| Syphilis (VDRL) | Syphilis blood marker test | Blood draw only | ✔ Yes |
| Pregnancy Test (women) | Routine confirmation for female applicants | Blood or urine | ✔ Women only |
⚠️ Important: The medical fitness test does NOT check for chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease as grounds for rejection. It is infectious disease screening only — not a comprehensive health assessment.
How Long Does the Golden Visa Medical Test Take at Sahara Centre?
One of the biggest worries applicants have is whether the medical test will eat up their whole day. The good news: it won't. At Sahara Visa Medical Centre in Sharjah, the entire process from check-in to walking out takes under 45 minutes for most applicants — including the medical application typing, which we handle on-site so you don't need a separate visit to a typing centre.
For those on a tighter schedule, our Fast Track service prioritises your results and delivers your medical fitness certificate digitally within just 4 hours. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect:
1
Registration & Document Check — 5 to 10 min
Staff verify your passport, Emirates ID or entry permit, and passport photo against the EHS database. Medical application typed here if not already done.
2
Blood Draw — 5 min
A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample. No fasting required for the visa medical — you can eat normally beforehand.
3
Chest X-Ray — 5 to 8 min
Digital X-ray machine. No preparation needed. Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant must inform staff before this step.
4
Physical Examination by Doctor — 8 to 12 min
A licensed physician completes the general assessment, checks vitals, and signs off the examination form.
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Results & Certificate — Same Day or 24 Hours
Standard results ready within 24 hours, uploaded directly to EHS/ICA. Fast Track service delivers results in 4 hours. Call +971 56 402 8010 to pre-book Fast Track.
What Documents Do You Need for the Golden Visa Medical?
Before heading to the centre, make sure you have everything below. Missing even one item can mean a wasted trip. Our team is available to confirm your checklist before you travel.
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original Passport | ✔ Mandatory | Must be valid — no expired passports accepted |
| Entry Permit / UAE Visa | ✔ Mandatory | Required for new applicants. Residents show existing Emirates ID. |
| Emirates ID (existing residents) | ✔ Mandatory | For renewals or status changes |
| Passport-size Photo | ✔ Mandatory | White background, recent (within 6 months) |
| Medical Application Form | ✔ Mandatory | Typed at a registered typing centre — we type this for you on-site |
| Previous Medical Results | ✖ Optional | Not required, but bring if you have a declared condition |
💡 Pro Tip: Sahara Centre handles both the medical application typing AND the medical test in one visit. No need to go to a separate typing centre first — saves you a trip and hours of waiting.
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Not sure if your documents are complete?
Our team will confirm your checklist before you travel—reach us on WhatsApp or via our contact page.
How Much Does the UAE Golden Visa Medical Cost?
Medical fitness test fees in the UAE are set by the relevant health authority — EHS for Sharjah, DHA for Dubai, HAAD for Abu Dhabi. Prices are standardised and do not vary between accredited centres. Additional services like Fast Track, typing, and photo are add-ons. Call us on +971 56 402 8010 to confirm current fees before visiting.
| Service | Estimated Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Medical Fitness Test | AED 280 – 320 | Government-set fee, includes all tests |
| Fast Track Results (4 hrs) | Additional AED 100 – 150 | Same tests, priority processing |
| Medical Application Typing | AED 50 – 70 | Required before test; done at Sahara Centre |
| Passport Photo (if needed) | AED 15 – 25 | Available on-site |
| Re-test (if initial flagged) | AED 100 – 280 | Depends on which test needs repeating |
⚠️ Note on Pricing: Fees above are indicative as of 2026. Always confirm the exact current fee at the time of your visit. Call +971 56 402 8010 for the latest fee structure before travelling.
What If Your Golden Visa Medical Result Is Flagged?
Receiving a flagged or abnormal result on your medical fitness test can feel alarming — but a flagged result at Sahara Visa Medical Centre does not automatically mean visa rejection. Each condition is handled differently by UAE health authorities, and many applicants with initially flagged results have gone on to successfully obtain their Golden Visa.
The UAE immigration system reviews flagged cases individually, taking into account treatment history, specialist reports, and the nature of the condition. Here is what typically happens for each common flag:
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TB (Tuberculosis) — Chest X-Ray Abnormality
You'll be referred to a TB specialist for a follow-up sputum test and additional X-rays. If active TB is ruled out, the visa proceeds. Inactive or latent TB with treatment history is generally not a barrier.
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HIV Positive Result
UAE immigration law currently restricts residency for HIV-positive applicants. You'll receive a private referral letter. This is a government policy matter beyond the centre's control.
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Hepatitis B or C Positive
Flagged results are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Many applicants with managed Hepatitis B or C have successfully obtained UAE residency. A specialist referral and treatment documentation are key.
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Drug Screen Positive
Results are treated seriously. If you are on prescribed medication that may affect the drug screen (e.g. opioid-based painkillers), bring your original prescription and doctor's letter on test day.
3 Common Mistakes That Delay Golden Visa Medical Approvals
Mistake #1 — Going to a Non-Accredited Centre
Not every clinic in the UAE can issue a valid EHS medical certificate. If your certificate is not uploaded to the ICA/EHS system by an accredited centre, your visa application will be rejected even if your results are clean. Sahara Visa Medical Centre is fully accredited by MoHAP and EHS — results upload automatically. See our Medical Examination Centre page for accreditation details.
Mistake #2 — Letting the Certificate Expire Before Visa Stamping
Your medical certificate is valid for exactly 30 days. If visa stamping doesn't happen within that window — due to paperwork delays, sponsor issues, or simply forgetting — you must repeat the full test and pay again. Book your medical as close to your visa appointment as possible, but allow 3–5 days buffer for any ICA processing delays. Call us on +971 56 402 8010 to time your booking correctly.
Mistake #3 — Typing the Medical Application at the Wrong Centre
The medical application must be typed on the official EHS system before you present for the test. Many applicants spend half a day going to a separate typing centre first. At Sahara Centre, typing and testing happen in the same visit.
✅ Book Your Golden Visa Medical at Sahara Centre
Walk-ins welcome. Results in 24 hours or fast track in 4 hours. MoHAP & ICA accredited. Typing done on-site. No hidden fees. 📞 +971 56 402 8010
Sahara Centre, Sharjah · Mon–Thu 8AM–8PM · Sun 9AM–6PM · Fri 9AM–12PM & 1–6PMWhy Choose Sahara Visa Medical Centre for Your Golden Visa Medical?
There are several accredited centres across Sharjah, but Sahara Visa Medical Centre is consistently chosen by Golden Visa applicants, PRO services, and corporate HR departments. Here is why:
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MoHAP & EHS Fully Accredited
Results upload automatically to the ICA and EHS systems. No manual submission, no delays. Your Golden Visa application moves forward instantly.
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Fast Track Results in 4 Hours
Standard results in 24 hours. Fast Track available for urgent cases. Call +971 56 402 8010 to reserve your Fast Track slot.
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Typing + Test in One Visit
We handle your medical application typing on-site. No need to visit a separate typing centre. Most applicants are done in under 45 minutes.
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Walk-Ins Welcome
No appointment necessary for standard testing. Walk in Mon–Thu 8AM–8PM, Sun 9AM–6PM, Fri 9AM–12PM & 1–6PM. For Fast Track, WhatsApp ahead to reserve your slot.
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Full Family Services Under One Roof
From medical fitness tests to Emirates ID typing and embassy medical certificates — your whole family can be processed in one visit.
How to Book Your Golden Visa Medical Test at Sahara Centre
Booking is simple — walk-ins are accepted every day we are open, or you can confirm your slot in advance to avoid any queue. Here are your three options:
1
WhatsApp — Fastest Response
Message us on +971 56 402 8010. Tell us your preferred date, whether you need Fast Track, and how many people. We'll confirm within minutes.
2
Contact Form — For Detailed Enquiries
Use our contact page if you have specific questions about your medical history, documents, or require a group booking for your company or family.
3
Walk In — No Appointment Needed
Simply arrive at Sahara Centre, Sharjah during opening hours. Bring your original passport, Emirates ID or entry permit, and one passport-size photo. We handle the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions — Golden Visa Medical UAE
Explore more at Sahara Visa Medical Centre:
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John Relova
John Relova drives EHS (Environmental, Health & Safety) operations in Dubai via EMITAC Healthcare Solutions and is active in promoting workplace safety culture within the region.
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Medical Examination Centre for Residency - Sahara Centre
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